ABS Module Interchange

[Scott Adriaansen]

Hi everyone. I think my daughter's ABS module in her 99 1.8T is dead. Just wondering if an ABS Module from a MK4 Jetta will be a direct interchangeable part. My local salvage yard has plenty of Jetta's, but no Bugs. Thanks!

[Smileybug]

Why do you think its dead? Is the light on?

[Scott Adriaansen]

I think it's dead because the ABS light is on, and I've replaced all 4 sensors (1 at each wheel). While replacing the rear sensors, the backing plates were so rusted that they crumbled in my hand, so I'm just replacing everything on the rear. New disks (scored), pads, wheel hubs, caliper (1 bad one) etc. I'm hoping that the new sensors and new rings on the wheel hubs do the trick. As I said before, severe rust back here.

[Smileybug]

Where are you located? A VAG-COM will be able to read the codes and see what is going on with it. Might have someone in your area who has one. Knowing the codes will lead you in the right direction, better than just throwing parts at it.

[Scott Adriaansen]

Located in Horseheads, New York.

[fohveh]

No, do not put a Jetta ABS modeule in your Beetle. The Jetta module is programed to respond to th emass and inertia of a heavier jetta not a Beetle. Basically in sudden stop situation the car would skid instead of activating its ABS also affects traction control, again it will activate late when traction is needed at that point not later in the spin. I went through the same situation recently and went through all that. BUT lets get back to the diagnoses.....before changing anything....NO TOOLS NEEDED, look at the top of your battery. There is a fuseblock on top of it, unclip the cover and look in it. See the three green 30amp fuses? Are any melted or blown? They tend to melt instead of blow like they are supposed to. If they are O.K. , unplug the wire harness that plugs into the backside of the fuse block. There are three wires leading into the plug each corresponding to each fuse. Two of the wires are for the ABS unit, the third is for the A/C. Look into the wire harness plug and the socket end that it plugs into and see if there are any melted burnt looking contacts inside either. If everything looks alright plug the harness back into the fuseblock, make sure the plug is fully connected and engaged in the socket. If all that area checks out then and only then suspect the ABS unit itself. Also you may need to disconnect the battery to clear the ABS code if you do not have the VAG-COM software and adapter. Sometimes the codes go away after three restarts of the car. Good Luck.